South Australian Government launches funding for regional sport and wellness initiatives

The South Australian Government is encouraging rural and regional communities from across the state to apply for a share of $1 million to improve the health and wellbeing of their communities.

South Australian Minister for Health and Wellbeing, Stephen Wade said grants of up to $50,000 each are on offer to regional towns to develop preventative health programs within their community.

Examples of possible projects include:

• Replacing or upgrading community-based sport or playground equipment
• Training volunteers at sport clubs in responsible service of alcohol and providing healthier food options in canteens and for functions

Minister Wade advised “in regional areas, communities play a vital role in supporting their residents to engage with each other, be active and eat well.

“Most risk factors for chronic disease are preventable through increasing physical exercise, decreasing rates of smoking and alcohol consumption and encouraging healthy eating.

“Through the SA Healthy Towns Challenge, we are investing in our regional communities to better support the health and wellbeing of all South Australians.

“We’d like to see applicants come up with creative and innovative ways to help prevent chronic disease and improve the overall health of the people in their area.”

Professor Paddy Phillips, SA Health Chief Medical Officer and Public Health Officer, said the focus of the grants will be on initiatives that have measurable results and benefits to the community.

Professor Phillips added “maintaining good health and wellbeing is a shared responsibility between individuals, government and communities more broadly.

“Investing in prevention will avoid future health costs and ease pressure on hospitals and the wider health system. With the Healthy Towns Challenge, we are empowering our regional areas with the right tools to improve their own health and wellbeing.”

Applications will close on Monday 15th April 2019, and successful projects will run from July 2019 to June 2020.

Projects must be in partnership with a non-government organisation or university to help communities develop projects based on evidence and best practice.

For more information visit the SA Health Website.